Actually, yes you can change the compression.
Many people have stacked 2 stock gaskets to bring the compression down.
Of course this is usually done when adding a turbo.
A good setup with this motor will yield around 300hp with the right turbo
and intercooler.

And yes Neil, this is an interference motor.
No big deal, just change the belt and tensioner before installing.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jake de Villiers
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Passat 2.0L engine questions (donor car for 15 degree Vanagon
conversion)

Forget about regular Neil.  Its not about the timing, its about the
compression, and you can't change that....

On 10/14/07, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi all.
>
> Still on my 15 degree conversion quest.
>
> A possible donor car:
>
> http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/447287064.html
>
> Does the Passat 16V 2.0 DOHC have NON interference valves?
>
> It seems this engine prefers premium fuel.
>
> Any users run this engine on regular? Could it be tuned (timed?) to
> run properly on regular?
>
> AFAIK this engine has 134 HP. That'd be sweet!
>
>
> Thanks for any help!
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
> "Jaco"  (Bustorius)
>
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
>
> Please send fav Vanagon/Westfalia links to me at:
> musomuso1963@hotmail.com
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/